Canberra | Australia's Underrated Capital

Why skip it? This planned city packs museums, lakes, and political drama! 📍 Why Visit Canberra? Born from a rivalry: Sydney vs. Melbourne couldn’t decide, so Canberra became the capital in 1913. Nature + Culture: Think art galleries, man-made lakes, and starry skies—all without crowds. Easy Access: Just 3hrs drive from Sydney. 🌆 Must-Do Activities 1️⃣ Parliament House 🏛️ Free entry + watch live debates (check sittings schedule). 🚩 Don’t miss the 81m flagpole—best city views! 2️⃣ Australian War Memorial 🕊️ Poignant exhibits + the Last Post Ceremony at 4:45 PM daily. 3️⃣ National Gallery of Australia (NGA) 🎨 15,000+ artworks, including Monet’s Water Lilies. 📸 Within Without: James Turrell’s pink-hued installation (IG gold!). 4️⃣ Lake Burley Griffin 🚴 Cycle or kayak past national monuments. 🌅 Sunset tip: Picnic at Regatta Point. 5️⃣ Quirky Extras Royal Australian Mint: Design your own coin. Questacon: Science fun for kids (or kids-at-heart). Mount Stromlo Observatory: Milky Way gazing! 🎉 Seasonal Highlights Autumn (Mar-May): Golden foliage at Weston Park. Winter (Jun-Aug): Ski at Corin Forest (1hr away). Spring (Sep-Nov): Floriade flower festival. Summer (Dec-Feb): Enlighten Festival (buildings lit like rainbows!). 🍽️ Eat & Drink Local Secret: Lonsdale Street’s cafés (try Highroad for brunch). Fine Dining: Monster Kitchen at Hotel Hotel. 🚗 Getting Around Public Transport: Buses cover major sights (use MyWay card). Bike Hire: Around Lake Burley Griffin ($20/day). #Canberra #AustraliaTravel #HiddenGems